Galion church offers worshipers ashes in a hurry on Ash Wednesday

Galion resident Nancy Green shivered a little in her car Wednesday afternoon as she waited ashes from Galion First United Church of Christ pastor Rev. Darrin Harvey to be put on her head as they chatted in the church parking lot.

“From dust you came and dust you will return,” Harvey said as he administered the ashes and then prayed with Green.

The whole stop lasted a few minutes.

Harvey’s church is one of various ones around the country who offer the drive-through option. This is the church’s second straight year of drive-through ashes.

The church also had its regular Ash Wednesday service scheduled later that evening, but Harvey said the afternoon offered a more convenient option.

“It’s an outreach,” Harvey said. “It’s a way people can come in and get a quick blessing.”

The pastor said he believes Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent season, which gives parishioners the opportunity to reflect on their relationship with God.

The experience was positive for worshippers who visited.

“It’s brief,” said Nancy Green of Galion. “But if you know what it’s about, it’s a good thing.”

Ginger Wilcox said she wasn’t sure if she was able to make the service this evening.

“I wanted to make sure I got my ashes,” she said.

Rev. Darrin Harvey of Galion First United Church of Christ prays with Nancy Green of Galion after giving her ashes during the church’s Drive-Through Ashes event.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2016/02/web1_20160210_163149.jpgRev. Darrin Harvey of Galion First United Church of Christ prays with Nancy Green of Galion after giving her ashes during the church’s Drive-Through Ashes event.